Toyota Prius C coming in November 2011

Expect the production version of the Prius C Concept (earlier post) to be revealed in November 2011, with total dimensions (length x width x height) of 3,800 x 1,690 x 1,500 (mm). Since aerodynamics play an important role, the target Cd value is 0.27 and an improved version of the THS-II hybrid system will be fitted. A newly developed 1.5 L engine using the  Atkinson cycle will enable the new model to achieve a fuel efficiency, under the 10.15 mode, of 44 km/L.

[Source: Mag-X via CarSensor]

Minor changes for Nissan Murano in Japan

Nissan has announced some minor changes for the Murano in Japan, which will be released on February 3, with a slightly changed front grille, new 20" aluminium wheels and a new exterior colour.

In the interior, there are redesigned leather seats and new door trim. Also, driver's visibility has been enhanced by using white fonts on the combi meter. There is iPOD support and the new "Carwinds Navigation" system is available.

Prices start from 2,971,500 ¥ for the 2WD 250XL model and the top-spec 350XV FOUR model cots 4,469,850 ¥.

More photos after the jump!

New Suzuki MR Wagon officially launched

Suzuki has officially launched the new MR Wagon, targeting young buyers. The new model adopts a newly developed platform and a lot of work has been done in terms of packaging in order to offer a roomy interior. Power comes from the new R06A engine (earlier post), which is coupled to a CVT gearbox and 2WD models achieve a fuel efficiency of 25.5 km/L.

Three different trim levels are available (G, X and T) and all of them are available as either FF or 4WD. G and X models get a naturally aspired version of the new engine delivering 54 hp, while the T models get a turbocharged version with a power output of 64 hp. Monthly sales target is 3,000 vehicles and prices start from 1,131,900 ¥.

• G:1,131,900 ¥ (FF) /1,249,500 ¥ (4WD)
• X:1,215,900 ¥ (FF) /1,333,500 ¥ (4WD)
• T:1,393,350 ¥ (FF) /1,510,950 ¥ (4WD)

First three production LFAs arrived in US - Part 3 of 3

More photos after the jump!

First three production LFAs arrived in US - Part 2 of 3

More photos after the jump!

First three production LFAs arrived in US - Part 1 of 3

On January 18, the first three production LFAs arrived in the US! As you can imagine, transporting the cars from Japan must be done in a special way. Each car arrives in its own container, which after going through the customs, is then delivered to a special facility in order to be unboxed.

Of course, the preparation needs time since wood chocks have to removed, the pallet has then to be taken out with the use of a forklift, and there are also other measures keeping the LFA secure, such as wheel straps which of course need to be removed.

After the car is carefully checked, it is loaded to a transporter in order to be delivered to the dealer.

Below are some facts as published by Kaizen Factor:

• Each LFAs are tested and driven by a Motomatchi Quality Control Engineer to ensure the highest quality compliance. A certificate is placed in each car with the engineer’s signature.
• Each LFA ships in its own clean container with a pink painted metal pallet designed specifically to secure the car during transport.
• Each LFA pallet is sent back to Japan after use to transport the next shipment of cars. 5 can be stacked at one time.
• The LFA is not covered in exterior plastic during transport. This is to ensure proper paint curing from the time it leaves the Motomachi Plant to its final destination.
• It takes about 7-10 days (weather permitting) for an LFA to ship from the port in Japan to the Port of Long Beach.
• All US bound LFAs will only go through Toyota’s facilities at the Port of Long Beach for de-vanning of the shipping container.
• Each LFA will be delivered by a special Lexus transporter to the new owner’s preferred Lexus dealer.
• This is the only Lexus or Toyota product that is delivered in this manner.
• LFA10 is the chassis code for the Lexus LFA. LFA10L is the designation for left hand drive models.
• Mobil 1 5w50 is the official oil for the Lexus LFA.

I have came across with some amazing photos of the three LFAs (via Kaizen Factor), so stay tuned for more posts coming!

More photos after the jump!

Lexus LFA's carbon fibre weave method

A rather unsual paint job by ARTIS (アルティス)!!!

Now, that's an unusual paint job! This 3D hologram of eeer... scratches really looks cool and it was exhibited at the Tokyo Auto Salon. The company responsible for this paint job is called ARTIS.